The evaluation of the School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan (2018-2023) highlighted its relevance and effectiveness in improving student learning outcomes. It benefited over 900 schools with USD 226 million but faced challenges in infrastructure and funding. Key recommendations focus on fundraising, community participation, and technical capacity strengthening for sustainability.
The School Feeding Programme (SFP) in South Sudan, operational since 2011, aims to provide school-age children with a safe and nutritious food source, thereby improving the livelihoods of food insecure smallholders in non-conflict areas. From January 2018 to February 2023, the program benefited over 900 schools with an investment of USD 226 million. Evaluating its activities, the World Food Programme (WFP) South Sudan Country Office commissioned a comprehensive study to assess the programme’s impact and relevance.
An evaluation conducted through a mixed-methods approach revealed that the SFP was not only relevant and coherent but also effective in achieving its objectives. Indications of enhanced student learning outcomes, including significantly higher basic literacy and numeracy scores among intervention school students, were reported, with disparities favoring boys over girls. Despite these successes, the lack of adequate infrastructure development in schools posed challenges in accommodating increased student enrollment. The pace of funding cuts further restricted the programme’s efficiency.
While the programme enjoyed political support and national ownership, sustainability concerns arose due to insufficient financial commitment from the government. The evaluation highlighted the potential of a home-grown school feeding (HGSF) strategy, which sources produce locally, alongside a multi-sectoral approach targeting school-level infrastructure improvements as vital for the programme’s future stability.
To enhance the SFP, key recommendations include prioritizing fundraising efforts to address severe food deprivation, conducting research to assess the HGSF programme’s effectiveness in building local food systems, and strengthening the monitoring system. Additionally, increasing community participation, creating inclusive strategies for persons living with disabilities, and bolstering technical capacity for logistical management at national and state levels are essential for ongoing success.
The School Feeding Programme in South Sudan has been a crucial initiative, especially in regions exhibiting food insecurities exacerbated by ongoing conflicts. Through collaborative efforts with the WFP, the programme aims to alleviate hunger among school-aged children while creating a positive educational environment. This evaluation covering the years 2018 to 2023 was critical in identifying the programme’s impact amid changing funding landscapes and humanitarian needs.
In summary, the School Feeding Programme has shown significant benefits for student learning and community resilience in South Sudan. However, challenges such as infrastructure limitations and funding cuts must be addressed to ensure sustainability. Strategic recommendations highlight the necessity for increased funding, community involvement, and adaptive strategies that meet the needs of all students. Continued investment and government support will be vital for the SFP’s efficacy going forward.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
